Amazon has opened a 2.8-million-square-foot robotic fulfillment center in Charlton, Mass., that is part of its "first mile" infrastructure, which aims to improve fulfillment processing times by up to 25%, enhance shipping accuracy and increase the availability of same-day and next-day delivery. The all-electric facility also prompted a 50-megawatt substation upgrade to improve regional power infrastructure.
A $10 billion project by Green Corridors would relieve congestion at the busiest crossing at the US-Mexico border with a 165-mile elevated guideway for autonomous diesel-electric hybrid shuttles to transport freight between Laredo, Texas, and Monterrey, Mexico, aiming to complement existing truck and rail operations. Green Corridors expects to complete construction and begin testing by 2031.
AmeriGas Propane has agreed to sell its Hawaii assets, including 750,000 gallons of propane storage and delivery fleets, to Isle Gas. The deal, expected to close in the fourth quarter, is part of AmeriGas' strategy to focus on markets with better operational results.
Geopolitical risk has emerged as the top supply chain risk for 2025, followed by inflation, cybersecurity, shortages in raw material and regulatory changes, according to a survey by WTW. The survey highlights a shift in risk-management strategies, with companies prioritizing the security of supplier relationships and contracts and a deeper integration of cybersecurity.
Digital transformation is crucial for supply chain leaders to stay competitive, with 82% of professionals believing technology will impact operations in the next five years, according to The State of the Supply Chain report from Inspectorio. Key shifts include AI-driven automation for efficient inventory and logistics management and predictive analytics for proactive decision-making. This technology helps forecast demand shifts, identify supplier risks, and optimize inventory levels before issues arise.
A new wave of hyperlocal weather forecasting, driven by advanced technology and data from sources like internet of things devices and personal weather stations, is transforming how people and businesses anticipate weather conditions. These ultra-precise forecasts, which can predict weather changes down to city blocks, are crucial for innovations like drone deliveries and are increasingly powered by private companies using AI and crowdsourced data.
LinkedIn's study "Buyability -- The Future of B2B Marketing Success" reveals that fear of making indefensible purchase decisions is a major factor for B2B buyers and social proof and emotional validation are more important than price or performance. "The No. 1 thing B2B buyers want isn't the best product or the best price -- it's a decision they can defend two years from now if everything falls apart," says Mimi Turner, head of marketplace innovation at LinkedIn. "What they're really buying is a career-proof rationale."
AI takes priority for 72% of chief marketing officers in a study from 2X and Avasant and a fifth of marketing budgets go to technology. Personalization and campaigns based on AI have increasingly become important to B2B marketers, and headcount is staying flat while spending rises between 5% and 10%.
Fleet leadership turnover can significantly disrupt supply chains, causing issues such as delayed preventive maintenance, missed compliance filings, increased costs and a blow to vendor relationships, writes RTA Fleet CEO Josh Turley. Many fleet managers are promoted from within without formal leadership training, leading to high burnout and turnover rates. Companies can address this by treating fleet leadership as a strategic role, investing in management training and mentorship, and engaging with industry associations, Turley writes.
Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.
And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for approximately 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 250,000 wholesale distribution companies operate across North America, including all 50 states. Learn more.
SmartBrief publishes more than 200 free industry newsletters - Browse our portfolio
